Reggie Davis wants bullet tax after brother’s shooting death

Fiona Kelliher and Frank Witsil Detroit Free Press Published 2:02 PM EST Dec 7, 2018 Wayne County Commissioner Reggie Davis plans to push for a vote on a bullet tax resolution to curb gun violence, despite remarks from the chairman that the commission has “has no plans to take up this measure at this time.” Davis, who represents the sixth district and used to own several guns, wants the state to raise taxes on ammunition and mandate mental illness checks for buyers. The tax revenue would be used for gun safety and gun rights education. He hopes the plan would be adopted by state and federal lawmakers. Davis said Friday his proposal, which he first raised in September, has been largely misunderstood and would be a symbolic gesture as part of the Black Lives Matter movement. He said it could help build support for a change in state and federal laws that he said is needed to end urban shooting deaths. “I am putting together a coalition of folks to represent the issue,” said Davis, whose younger brother was fatally shot in an attempted robbery in 2001. “We need to figure out a way to stop the senseless gun violence that happens in a city like Detroit.” But, there is opposition to his idea — and resolution. In a public statement, Commission Chairman Gary called the resolution well-intentioned and praised his fellow commissioner’s “personal passion about gun violence.” But, Woronchak added that what Davis proposes “cannot be enacted into law” by the commission” and raises “legal, policy and practical concerns that would prevent the Wayne… [Read full story]